Wild at heart

Designed by Sam Atcheson, Dorrington Atcheson Architects

From the architect:

This project is a new build on a subdivided site in Greenhithe – one of two houses to be designed for the owners, who previously lived in the original house. 

It overlooks the Upper Harbour inlet and faces Whenuapai and Paremoremo on the opposite side. 

The sea views and bush-like surroundings lend it a beachside feel and the water views are seen from throughout the house.

The brief requested a light and sunny home, making the most of the sun and views and incorporating the mature gingko tree on the site, with interesting materiality and public and private spaces.

Set back from the road, the house’s street façade gives little away on approach. 

The two half gables are intentionally windowless on this side, adding intrigue. 

The entry is an expanse of glass interrupted by a large timber door. 

This gallery-like space allows a view directly through the house to the water beyond and the stairs are a dramatic feature as one enters.

 Housed beyond the stairs are a discreet powder room, wine cellar and laundry.

The house pivots around a central courtyard set about a mature Ginkgo tree. 

Like the water view, the tree and green space surrounding it are viewed from most areas of the house and are integral to the design.

The second floor spaces are smaller and generally more private, providing bedrooms and bathrooms. 

These rooms take advantage of the roof forms, ensuring soaring stud heights and in turn generous amounts of glass.

The owners wanted a 'New Zealand' house, in particular a gabled roof and board and batten cladding. 

We designed a split gable form and clad the building with oversized reverse run board-and-batten timber cladding. 

The split gables never quite meet, creating a deliberate tension and allowing the Ginkgo tree to be viewed from a number of angles. 

The split gable also allows an opportunity to open large areas of the facade up to the courtyard space.

Although sub divided, the site remains relatively large and runs from the street to the water’s edge, with the original site being split down the middle to create two building platforms. 

The site adjoins the Upper Harbour Inlet and looks west, ensuring all day sun and stunning sunset views.

The courtyard opens to the house on three sides, bringing substantial light into the interior and encouraging seamless movement inside to outside. 

The Ginkgo tree stands proudly at the centre of the house, a focal point, providing shade in summer and conveniently, being deciduous, allowing the lower winter sun to penetrate the interior of the house when required.

We used a mix of cast in situ concrete panels, Alaskan yellow cedar weatherboards and long-run wall cladding and roofing. 

The owners love the look of cast in situ concrete, so this is used as a feature in places where it would have maximum impact. 

Similarly, the timber clad areas were restricted to the front and back elevations and the courtyard. 

Story by: Trendsideas